Many Shiv Sena MLAs may join us: BJP leader Girish Mahajan

Amidst the high profile political drama in Maharashtra, BJP leader Girish Mahajan claimed that many of the Shiv Sena leaders are frustrated with Sanjay Raut and may join hands with BJP.

"Verbal diarrhoea will be the right phrase to use for him. Even many Shiv Sena MLAs are frustrated with him and they may also think of going with us," said Mahajan.

"Shivsena was our ally and they have betrayed us," he added.

NCP's Ajit Pawar joining hands with BJP to form a government came as a big jolt to the efforts by Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena to form an alliance to bereft BJP of power corridors.

In what can be termed as a surprising development, Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday took oath as Maharashtra Chief Minister for the second consecutive term while NCP's Ajit Pawar took oath as Deputy Chief Minister of the state.

The move came at a time when deliberations between Congress, NCP and Shiv Sena seemingly reached the final stage on Friday.

The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party, could not stake claim to form a government as its ally Shiv Sena remained firm on rotating the Chief Minister's post and equal sharing of Cabinet berths.

Shiv Sena parted its ways with BJP to explore ways to form a government. It, however, failed to prove the support of the required number of MLAs in the time given by state Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari.

The Governor had then invited NCP, the third-largest party, to prove its ability to form the government failing which President's Rule was imposed in the state.

The BJP won 105 seats in the 288-member assembly followed by Shiv Sena 56, NCP 54 and Congress 44.

(ANI)

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